Even if a woman has not previously had symptoms of heartburn and chronic diseases of the digestive tract, then during pregnancy she can feel all these “charms” on herself. There is an opinion that heartburn coincides in time with the moment when the first hair on the head appears in the fetus. However, official medicine does not comment on this belief. Drugs for heartburn during pregnancy will help to quickly cope with unpleasant discomfort and burning in the esophagus. The article provides a list of the most effective drugs, as well as reviews about them.
Causes of heartburn during pregnancy
In the medical language, heartburn is called acid dyspepsia. It manifests itself in a burning sensation, constriction and even slight pain in the esophagus and sometimes in the throat. Typically, heartburn occurs due to the fact that for one reason or another, gastric juice is ejected into the esophagus and rises through it to the larynx, and sometimes it enters the mouth. If the patient has a history of a violation of the outflow of bile, then an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth can often accompany him in the morning. It should not be confused with acid dyspepsia, if the gallbladder and bile are disturbed, the drug treatment will be completely different.
The release of acid into the esophagus usually occurs due to compression of the internal organs. Even perfectly healthy women who are not in position can feel heartburn with excessive effort in training (for example, if the press is pumped too much). So do not be surprised that in pregnant women, heartburn appears under the influence of a growing fetus on organs - the uterus simply “presses” them, resulting in acid dyspepsia.
A logical question arises: "The esophagus is protected by the sphincter from the release of acid from the stomach and its contents, so how does gastric juice still enter the esophagus?" The answer is simple - during pregnancy, the hormonal background changes very much. Under the influence of certain hormones (in particular, progesterone), muscle tone weakens somewhat, and the sphincter may function worse than in the absence of pregnancy. This is all a simple physiological process, do not worry about this. If dyspepsia causes severe discomfort, then medications for heartburn should be purchased and taken. During pregnancy, a lot of drugs are allowed, they are guaranteed not to affect the development of the fetus. There are more serious drugs, before which you should consult a doctor.
When should you take medications for heartburn during pregnancy? If:
- dyspepsia brings great discomfort;
- gastric juice provokes the formation of ulcers in the larynx;
- a history of gastritis;
- due to heartburn, performance decreases and well-being worsens.
List of the best drugs for heartburn during pregnancy
It should be remembered that pregnancy is a special period in a woman's life. Each organism is individual, therefore, before taking this or that drug, one should consult a doctor and make sure that the cause of discomfort is acid dyspepsia, and not a violation of the outflow of bile or other, more serious diagnoses.
List of drugs for heartburn during pregnancy:
- "Phosphalugel";
- Almagel
- Gastal
- "Maalox";
- "Gastracid";
- "Rutacid";
- Rennie
- Iberogast
- Ranitidine;
- Gestid.
Pregnancy antacids
Most of these drugs are antacids, the main active ingredient of which is alkaline earth metals. In addition to the antacid effect, such drugs can also have a carminative, analgesic and antispasmodic effect.
Most of them are allowed for use as a drug for heartburn during pregnancy in the first trimester, but there is always a danger of developing an unforeseen allergic reaction or toxic effect due to individual intolerance. Before taking this or that drug, even if it is approved for use during pregnancy, it is worth consulting with your doctor.
"Phosphalugel": description, contraindications and reviews about the drug
The main active ingredient of the drug is aluminum phosphate at a concentration of 20%, it is able to neutralize excess acid in the stomach cavity and relieve heartburn of the patient in ten to fifteen minutes from the time of administration. Among the indications for admission, acid dyspepsia, that is, ordinary heartburn, is highlighted. "Phosphalugel" has a sorbing effect, therefore, in relation to some patients, it can contribute to the fact that minerals and vitamins leave the body. This is the danger of taking the drug for pregnant women. The most common side effect when taking is constipation, which is observed in approximately 35% of those taking the drug even once. So while taking "Phosphalugel" you should eat more prunes, beets and other laxative foods.
Reviews about "Fosfalugel" positive. Women note that this is an excellent drug for heartburn during pregnancy in the later stages. Heartburn subsides after ten minutes from the time of administration. Also, reviews report that with regular intake, the level of iron (hemoglobin) decreases, so it is better to take the drug less often, optimally - once a month, if the discomfort is completely unbearable.
"Almagel" - a drug for heartburn during pregnancy
Reviews report that with regular medication, you can forget about heartburn and discomfort in the stomach. But there is a significant drawback - with an excessively frequent intake, the toxic effect may intensify, constipation can begin (a common side effect), because the drug "Almagel" during pregnancy with heartburn should be used only in an emergency.
The drug belongs to the drug group of antacids. It consists of aluminum and magnesium hydroxides. Its advantages over other drugs include a low price - within 200 r. Release form - a bottle with suspension. Minus of the drug - pregnant women should not take it for more than three days in a row.
"Gastal": composition, effectiveness and reviews of women
The main active components of the drug are aluminum hydroxide-magnesium carbonate gel and magnesium hydroxide. They are able to neutralize the effect of hydrochloric acid in the stomach cavity, which is contained in the gastric juice. It can be used as a drug for heartburn during pregnancy. The release form is resorption tablets, so it is convenient to take the medicine on trips, on the plane, at work. The cost varies from 150 rubles (packaging with 12 tablets) to 380 rubles (packaging with 60 tablets).
Reviews report that it is better to give preference to Gastal tablets without adding unnecessary flavors and fragrances, as these components quite often provoke the development of allergic reactions. And this is extremely undesirable for women in position. Otherwise, the remedy is excellent - it acts quickly, within ten to twenty minutes.
"Maalox": description, indications and contraindications, reviews
Another antacid drug. The main active ingredient is aluminum and magnesium hydroxide. "Maalox" also has an analgesic effect. It can be used for gastritis of various etiologies. Release form - suspension and tablets. With the approval of the attending physician, it can be used as a drug for heartburn during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester. Take the medicine "Maalox" for women in a position longer than three days is not recommended. A suspension costs a little more than tablets - about 400 rubles, the cost of packaging with tablets - about 250 rubles.
Reviews about the "Maalox" are different. This remedy is more suitable for those women in whom acid dyspepsia causes quite noticeable pain. If heartburn does not bring very strong discomfort, which is accompanied by pain, then you can choose a milder drug.
"Gastracid": composition, description, side effects
Another relatively unknown antacid, which includes aluminum and magnesium hydroxide. Due to the presence of additional auxiliary components, “Gastracid” can be used as a drug for heartburn during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester only in an emergency.
Indications for use: gastritis of various etiologies, peptic ulcer, duodenitis, dyspepsia, esophageal sphincter hernia. Contraindications for use - including pregnancy (as indicated in the instructions). Therefore, the use of the drug alone is prohibited, only with the approval of the attending physician. If there are no other ways to make you feel better, taking Gastracide is warranted, but may be accompanied by unpleasant side effects (increased pain, nausea, diarrhea).
"Rutacid" for heartburn during pregnancy
Release form - chewable tablets. The main active ingredient is hydrotalcite. The drug provides long-term neutralization of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, maintains a pH close to normal. Reduces pepsin activity, has a gastroprotective effect and binds bile acids. Indicated for use in patients with an ulcer during pregnancy. It can also be used as a drug for heartburn during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester (only after consultation with your doctor, self-administration of the drug is unacceptable).
Reviews report that many women take this drug during pregnancy, not only with the goal of not only getting rid of heartburn, but also reducing the pain provoked by peptic ulcer. If there are not enough serious indications for taking "Rutacid", then it is better to opt for a drug with a milder effect.
"Rennie" for pregnant women from heartburn and heaviness in the stomach
"Rennie" can rightly be considered the best drug for heartburn during pregnancy. It is cheap (a package with chewable tablets costs about 180 rubles), is well tolerated by most people, and is approved for use during pregnancy. It helps not only to get rid of heartburn, but also to reduce the feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
Possible side effects include angioedema, allergic reactions, itchy skin, and a rash. However, reviews indicate that the drug is usually well tolerated and no side effects are observed. Relief occurs after about 15-20 minutes after taking the pill.
"Iberogast": description, indications and contraindications for use
This is a new homeopathic remedy for heartburn. Pregnancy is not a contraindication to taking it, however, before using it is better to consult a doctor, since taking plant-based products often causes allergic reactions. Therefore, as a rule, the use of Iberogast by a woman when bearing a fetus is possible only in cases where there is no possibility of using other drugs.
Release form - alcohol tincture. As active ingredients - extract of chamomile petals, extract of celandine and fruits of milk thistle, caraway seeds, angelica roots, peppermint. Despite the fact that the drug has an excellent herbal composition, it has a rather impressive number of contraindications and possible side effects.
"Gestid": description, indications and contraindications for admission
This drug refers to combination antacids. The composition includes hydroxides of magnesium and aluminum, magnesium trisilicate. It is possible to take "Gestid" during pregnancy, but if there is an opportunity, it is better to do with a relatively safer and more reliable "Rennie".
Release form - chewable tablets. Admission is indicated for gastritis of various origins, for acid dyspepsia, for pain in the epigastric region of unclear etiology. Before using the drug, it is better to consult a doctor, since the list of contraindications is quite large (kidney and liver diseases, allergic manifestations, internal bleeding, etc.).
Soda is a simple folk method for getting rid of heartburn
There is a simple folk method for getting rid of heartburn during pregnancy. Often it is as effective as taking medication.
You will need simple baking soda. You should dial it on a teaspoon so that the soda covers about half, mix in a glass of water and drink in one gulp. Then you can still drink plain plain water. This method allows you to alleviate discomfort and discomfort during heartburn during pregnancy.